About “DUCKWORTH.”

“DUCKWORTH.” is a street tale about how Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith had planned to rob a local KFC where Kendrick’s father, Ducky, was working. The robbery could have resulted in Ducky’s death, but his generosity caused Top Dawg to refrain from committing the robbery. This happened many years before Top Dawg would coincidentally sign a 15-year-old Kendrick to his label Top Dawg Entertainment. Duckworth is Kendrick’s legal surname.

What have the artists said about this song?

Top himself didn’t know I was going to do it or even execute it in that fashion, to be the last song or to be anywhere. Just making it make sense. I remember playing it for him, he flipped because further than the song, when you really can hear your life in words that is so true to you and that effected your life one hundred percent through one decision, it really makes you sit back and cherish the moment. I think that’s something we all did playing that record. Like, man, look where we at. We’re recording music for the world to hear and we’re taking care of our families. We’re blessed.

Is "DUCKWORTH." a true story?

The first thing I asked [Kendrick] was, is this a true story? He said yes, it’s a true story. Top Dawg has confirmed that it’s a true story. The beauty of that is, he chose to tell that story, and we’re like four albums in. Usually, people will tell that story the first time.

Did this song leaked ahead of it's release?

Who, or what, is Duckworth?

Duckworth is Kendrick’s family name.

What are the samples used in this song?

There are 3 different beats made with 3 different samples in this song. These are Ted Taylor – “Be Ever Wonderful”, September – “Ostavi Trag” and Hiatus Kayote – “Atari”. Also there is one drum sample which is The Fatback Band – “Let the Drums Speak.”